K-pop superstar Baekhyun is set to make a significant impact with his long-awaited comeback album, Hello, World, four years after his last project. Influenced by Wong Kar-wai's iconic 1994 film Chungking Express, Baekhyun draws a parallel between the film's exploration of time and his own journey in the music industry. He kickstarts the theme of time in a surprise teaser for Hello, World, where he mimics the lead character by opening cans of pineapple to herald the album's first single, "Pineapple Slice."
The album signifies a new era for Baekhyun, who recently departed from SM Entertainment, the label that nurtured him since he was 18 as part of EXO, to launch his own agency, INB100. In a recent video interview, Baekhyun expressed his desire to reintroduce himself to his fanbase. He emphasized the album's core theme of continuity, stating, "The symbolic meaning behind Hello, World is that, now that I've said hello, I'm going to keep being active."
Hello, World, Baekhyun’s fifth solo album, features six tracks that showcase his musical versatility, moving beyond his familiar R&B roots into 80s-inspired new wave synthpop. The album includes standout tracks like "Pineapple Slice," along with others such as "Cold Heart" and "Good Morning."
Baekhyun has taken a notably active role in this project, being involved in every aspect from A&R to production. He expressed pride in the collaborative effort that went into the album, emphasizing, "It feels like 'our' release, not just 'my' release."
As he prepares for the album's release, Baekhyun reflects on personal growth during his hiatus, stating that he's become more humble and values small achievements. He plans to embark on a world tour, aiming to present fans with even more music as he continues to evolve as an artist. "I always want to be a better person for the people around me," he concluded. Hello, World: The 4th Mini Album by Baekhyun is available now for listeners eager to witness this promising new chapter in his career.